Tuesday Tune

I can't say I'm a Slightly Stoopid fan but I am absolutely head-over-heels in love with their song "Anywhere I Go".  Enjoy!

August Reflections

This month has been the craziest, busiest, wonderful, stressful, blindingly quick month I've had in quite awhile!  I can't believe we're getting married in almost ONE month!  My 'August To-do List' dwindled dramatically - although there is still much to be done!  So many fun, amazing things happened in August like craft nights, family get togethers, movies in the park, and (of course!) my shower!!  I'm going to post on that perfect day later in the week!

I have to take a moment to reflect on the work I've done and the things I've accomplished this past month.  I'm proud of myself for being ultra organized.  It hasn't been easy but I've had a lot of help and support along the way!


There are 2 days left in the month... let's see what I can do!

Guess What?

Today is National Forgiveness Day!  Today is the day to let go... let go of something that's been sitting on your shoulders.  Do yourself a favor!

And then enjoy the weekend!

Ring Ring

"It is the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter."

-Marlene Dietrich

My Future

I don't have children but I can guarantee if I had a little daughter running around she'd be wearing these delicious outfits!  I'm melting just imagining it!

Outfits by Kanchli in Jaipur.

Tuesday Tune

Enjoy a handfull of my favorite Coldplay songs!


Fix You



Don't Panic



Glass of Water



The Hardest Part / Postcards From Far Away (acoustic)



Politik

Seesters

My family had a bit of a scare over the weekend - my little sister (ok, she's 22) was rushed to the emergency room late Friday night and subsequently was admitted to the hospital to have surgery.  She came home late Sunday afternoon and is recovering.

It scared us and made us worry about our youngest family member!  On Friday morning she had no idea she'd spend the weekend in the hospital - just goes to show how fast things happen!

We Made It!

I don't need to remind everyone it's Friday...but, IT IS FRIDAY!


I'm looking forward to my weekend full of wedding projects, and a staycation consisting of sunning myself in the back yard.  Hey, I may not have a gorgeous beach to spend my time on - but my backyard will do!

Happy weekend!

Trying to Remember

Lately I've been struggling with myself.  I can't seem to remember to stop, take a deep breath, and tell myself to calm down.  All around me emotions are running wild, there is a seemingly never-ending to-do list, and there is a cloud of negativity threatening to rain on me.  It has been hard to combat these feelings myself.  I am lucky to have a support system - but ultimately I need to resolve these feelings internally.


Mostly I am floating high in the air hanging on to my balloon filled with excitement, love, and giddiness!  But there are certain days when my hand slips and I have to pick myself up again after being disappointed yet again.  Sadly, I don't think the disappointment will end here.  How do I adopt resiliency?   

I need a weekend retreat where I can be silent and still and return to the place in my mind that is comforting, honest, and true.  I know who matters to me, and I know who I matter to.  There's nothing like a wedding to clear up this issue!  I didn't want this to be a struggle - does it have to be?  Am I overanalyzing again?  Or am I trivializing the matter? 

How do you pick yourself up?

We're Going To...

...Gahzir, Lebanon!  Let's spend a few moments getting lost in this incredibly idyllic home by architect Mathieu Sfeir.  I might want to stay forever...

All images courtesy of Volpe Images.

Tuesday Tune

I could listen to this Oren Lavie on repeat all day.  Not to mention the video is cute and fun to watch!  Enjoy!

Daily Thoughts

I recently signed up for "Daily Thoughts" through Real Simple.  Each day I am emailed a quote.  How great is that?  Here is one of my favorites:

"Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity." Kahlil Gibran

The Thirteenth

Today is Friday the 13th!  I can't help but think about the fast approaching fall season and of course, Halloween.  I found this awesome black cat stuffed animal via Primitive Folk Art. 

Tonight I'm having a dinner party and craft night where some girlfriends will help me with some wedding projects!  My parents are supplying various types of champagne for taste testing.  I'm very excited!


Have a fabulous weekend!

Smart Dogs

Yes, I'm the dog owner that converses with my pet as if she could answer (well, she does with those expressive eyes!).  I'm the dog owner that treats my pet like she's a small child (who doesn't?).  I'm the dog owner that knows, no, swears, that my pet can understand me and what's going on in her surroundings.

YES.  My dog is smarter than your honor student!  Ok, not quite - but I had to poke fun of those obnoxious bumper stickers.  Nick Dodman, D.V.M. via Whole Living comments on just how smart our little pups really are in his article The Intelligence of Dogs.  This explains why Piper gets visibly excited and giddy when we're a few blocks from my house, or when she sees I'm reaching down to the lower shelf in the pantry to retrieve her biscuits.


Maybe she can't understand exactly what I'm saying, but at least she listens!  And she always knows the mood I'm in and responds accordingly.  Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from our furry friends!

Urge to Purge!

For anyone that has rummaged through their closet, dresser, or junk drawers knows that it feels so great to get rid of the items that are no longer used or loved.  Isn't it true?  One girl's trash is another girl's treasure!  One of the joys of my life is the hunt for new things to love - especially among second hand stores, antique shops, and the like!


Over the weekend I was able to give away many bag-fulls of clothing, shoes, and other household items that I no longer use.  It feels good, no, great knowing that someone else can enjoy them.  And, my closet is looking a lot better!

Tuesday Tune

Please enjoy one of the most meaningful songs to me.  I can't remember ever not liking this song, and if I've ever made you a mix cd this song has probably made the cut!


I had the original on a cd that was on heavy rotation during the first few weeks I knew James.  I'm so lucky to have such positive memories associated with this song!  This one is in serious contention for our first dance.


Stand By Me - Ben E. King


An excellent cover by the talented Tracy Chapman:

Book Lovers' Day!

I just found out today is Book Lovers' Day!  Whole Living's "Daily Challenge" is to re-read a favorite book.  I accept this challenge!  In honor of the new Harry Potter movie coming out this November (yeah, I'm a HP nerd!), I am going to re-read the entire series (I love my British editions)!  This won't be the first Harry Potter post...!

I'd also like to take a moment to highlight one of my favorite websites dedicated to reading:  Goodreads!  I love keeping lists and I love reading - and this site combines the two!  Check it out for awesome recommendations and see what your friends are reading!

Posh Peacocks

Peacocks are regal, colorful, elegant, and so inspiring.  I am using peacock feathers in my fiance's boutonniere (and for the groomsmen and our dads).  I love the vivid hues and exotic flair!

This isn't the exact boutonniere I'm making but you can see the idea!

Discover Your Presence

Another Friday!  Another striking article from Whole Living.  It is one of my favorite magazines to receive each month and I look forward to reading it cover to cover.  (If you haven't seen an issue before, what are you waiting for?).  This magazine is my number one inspiration for living a healthier, happier, and more mindful life.


A blog post a few days ago caught my eye:  You Matter More Than You Think: The Art of Developing Presence by Max Strom.  Perhaps I've been extra emotional lately, but I have been struggling lately with the fact that I feel invisible to others.  There are many instances I feel taken advantage of emotionally, disrespected, and underappreciated.  Are these normal feelings?  Am I being unrealistic?  Maybe.  But I also deserve to be treated the way I treat others.  Right?  There are times I feel I give too much and receive a fraction in return. 


After reading this article I realized that maybe I have a weak presence.  Am I not accessible emotionally to others?  Maybe I give off a negative vibe?  Just thoughts... I'm intrigued by the three keys to developing presence.  These will be clipped and pinned on my bulletin board.  They seem promising!

Happy weekend!

Kenya Bound

Grab your passport, camera, and adventurous spirit:  we are heading to Kenya!  Welcome to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club in Nairobi, Kenya.  (Hey, it may not be the real thing but I'm saving you thousands!)

Real Meaning

The following passage by Kahlil Gibran On Friendship has always struck a chord with me.  Especially so after rereading it last week.  I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately - I think it stems from the fact that I'm planning a wedding and have had to realize certain things about people - good and bad!  At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I suppose we'll always know who our "true" friends are, no?

And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.

And he answered, saying:

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay".

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth:  and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

Tuesday Tune

Here is a fun one:  Burnin' For You!  I am a sucker (always) for covers and Shiny Toy Guns nails it!





And the original:

August

I will be married two months from today!  It is so surreal!  I've been amazingly productive over the last few months with planning and preparations and even though I still have an overwhelmingly long to-do list, I am so confident I will accomplish my goals.  As long as I have them written down on the "master list" I feel in control.


Things haven't been the easiest all the time - especially when the human factor comes into play.  I could write an entire book about the lessons I've learned about dealing with people (family in particular).  Sadly, I've also realized throughout this experience that weddings do not always bring out the best in people.  James and I have become a much stronger couple through it all. 


On to happier notes..... I love all the elephants I'll have incorporated into the decor.  My vision is slowly coming to life:  rich, vivid burgundy, cranberry, plum and cardinal red linens, whimsical flower pom-poms, romantic Moroccan candle-lit lanterns, golden Indian-inspired jewelry, rustic wooden chairs, tantalizing food from around the world, dramatic dahlias, peacock feather boutonnières, sparkling champagne, colorfully clad bridesmaids and groomsmen, excellent world music, floral garlands, inviting floor/bench cushions, happy, smiling faces....


And most importantly, the happiest bride and groom that ever was!